The Israeli government continues to reject calls for an international inquiry and says any probe should be under its control and should focus only on operational mistakes. In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed criticism of assault as “hypocrisy.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Once again, Israel faces hypocrisy and a biased rush to judgment. I’m afraid this isn’t the first time. Last year, Israel acted to stop Hamas from firing thousands of rockets into Israel’s towns and cities. Hamas was firing on our civilians while hiding behind civilians.”

Netanyahu went on to deny that the passengers aboard the flotilla were peace activists, calling them “violent supporters of terrorism.”